Author: Arabian Media staff

UAE-based venture builder Disrupt.com announced a $100 million commitment to build and back AI-first technology ventures globally. The firm’s $100 million commitment targets five strategic sectors: artificial intelligence as a cross-cutting theme, plus cybersecurity, Web 3.0, automotive technology, and retail innovation. The company said it primarily targets pre-seed to Series A stage startups that demonstrate strong organic growth potential and clear paths to profitability. The announcement comes as regional funding has declined sharply, with MENA venture capital investment down 29 per cent to just under $2 billion in 2024, according to Magnitt. Global AI venture funding Disrupt.com said its current…

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Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.Aviva boss Amanda Blanc has defended the insurer’s £3.7bn swoop for Direct Line, insisting it would not harm competition, after UK regulators launched a probe into the deal this week. The Competition and Markets Authority said on Wednesday that it was probing the takeover, with the combined group expected to control about a fifth of the UK motor and home insurance markets. But Blanc insisted on Thursday that the deal would not harm consumers. “Customers will speak with their feet, because there…

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Starting a business can be tricky. Not only does it require a lot of time and effort, but it can also be very daunting to consider quitting your 9-5 without knowing whether or not you’ll be successful. With that in mind, I’ve pulled together eight unique side hustles for you to try this year. The aim is to provide you with potential side hustle ideas that you can scale and grow into full-time businesses over time. That way, you can build an audience and an income stream before taking the ultimate leap and laying the foundations for your future success.…

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Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.Walmart has warned customers to expect higher prices despite this week’s deal between the US and China to slash punitive tariffs.The world’s biggest retailer is particularly exposed to US President Donald Trump’s trade war, with China and Mexico its largest source of imports. Goods sourced from overseas make up a third of the merchandise it sells in the US.Washington and Beijing agreed this week to a cut in tariffs for 90 days, with the US temporarily slashing levies on Chinese imports to…

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Wealthfront and Schwab Intelligent Portfolios are distinct enough to make the choice rather easy regarding which is best for you. If you don’t have the $5,000 minimum required by Schwab Intelligent Portfolios, then Wealthfront’s $500 account minimum is an easier bar to clear. In terms of fees, however, Schwab Intelligent Portfolios has no fees compared to 0.25% at Wealthfront. Both robo-advisors offer some level of portfolio customization, and Schwab’s Intelligent Income option is a find for those seeking sustainable cash flow. Knowledgeable Wealthfront users can put their own stamp on the portfolio by adding additional exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Wealthier investors…

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Image credit: Etihad Rail/X account Etihad Rail has announced that its high-speed passenger train service is scheduled to launch in 2026. The announcement was made via the company’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. We’re honoured to have been hosted by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, where H.H. Sheikh Hamdan received a delegation from Etihad Rail at Al Dhanna Palace, led by H.E. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail. During the meeting, we… pic.twitter.com/wnWGj800hL — Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) May 9, 2025 First revealed in January 2025, the project aims to build the UAE’s…

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GEMS Education has launched the “Next Billion Innovation” startup fund, a new initiative designed to empower and support GEMS students in delivering the next big solutions with the potential to make a global impact. The $1m fund will initially be made available to students at GEMS’ newest school, GEMS School of Research and Innovation (SRI), opening in Dubai in August 2025. SRI pupils will also have priority access to hands-on support and direct pathways to global startup ecosystems thanks to GEMS’ partnership with innovation platform Plug and Play Tech Centre, which provides an incubator programme for the most promising student…

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This article is an on-site version of our Energy Source newsletter. Premium subscribers can sign up here to get the newsletter delivered every Tuesday and Thursday. Standard subscribers can upgrade to Premium here, or explore all FT newslettersHello and welcome to Energy Source, coming to you from New York.My Financial Times colleague Rachel Millard has examined a crucial part of the UK government’s effort to meet its decarbonisation goal: persuading consumers to adjust their electricity use.Financial incentives may be crucial in encouraging consumers to adjust their power consumption. Northern Powergrid, which serves parts of northern England, has been offering up to £900…

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